More Bunning Silliness

Yesterday it appeared that Sen. Jim Bunning (R-KY) must be retiring, for he had given his blessing to Kentucky's Republican SecState, Trey Grayson, to form an exploratory committee. Only, that's not the case it seems.

Here's where it gets tricky. It was reported that Bunning gave Grayson permission to do this -- seemingly a giveaway that he'll retire and anoint Grayson as his preferred successor, thus giving the GOP a much more electable candidate. The problem is, Bunning's spokesman is publicly indicating otherwise: "Senator Bunning has every intention of running."

Bunning's spokesman would not comment to the Courier-Journal on whether Bunning had met with Grayson. A call I have placed to him on this same question has not been returned.

I asked a Grayson spokesman for confirmation on whether Bunning gave such permission, and he would not comment further beyond Grayson's original statement: "I have formed an exploratory committee to allow me to formally raise and spend funds as I seek support for a bid for U.S. Senate. I have no plans to run against Senator Bunning. This exploratory committee will allow me to travel the Commonwealth, meet with potential supporters and lay the foundation for a campaign."

Knife, meet back. It looks like Bunning may be told he is retiring whether he wants to or not. Nice guys, those GOP. Not only are they purging moderates, they are purging the faithful who may not be able to get re-elected.